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In the last week of May 2025, DUBAWA fact-checked a couple of misleading claims to sanitise the information landscape in Nigeria and other West African countries.
In the week reviewed, Ibrahim Traoré, leader of Burkina Faso, again remained a subject of interest to false information crusaders, while US President Donald Trump also made the headlines.
In this piece, DUBAWA examines some top fact-checks for the week.
- Did Burkina Faso ban porn websites as claimed?
In another move to praise the military ruler of Burkina Faso, Traoré, a blog post on Facebook claimed the government had banned access to pornographic websites in the West African country.
However, DUBAWA’s findings showed that the Burkinabe government only banned the broadcast of pornographic and homosexual content on media platforms to protect young viewers. This had nothing to do with internet censorship of such content.
Read more here.
- Did Donald Trump claim America and France own Africa’s resources?
A video widely shared on Facebook showed Donald Trump, the United States president, purportedly saying Africa’s mineral resources belong to the US and France while berating Burkina Faso’s president.
Trump also allegedly described Traore as a ‘traitor’ while insisting there would be no military rule in Africa. However, investigations by DUBAWA showed the video had been altered.
Read more on the report here.
- Is regular consumption of salt essential for good health, as Pastor Chris claimed?
Known for his controversial views on health matters, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, president and founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy), recently encouraged members of his congregation to increase their salt intake, contrary to doctors’ advice. He claimed that salt is actually the ultimate medicine that can cure all manner of diseases.
Contrary to his claim, studies showed that excess salt intake could result in high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. While salt is essential for some functions in the human body, medical experts recommend that salt be taken in moderation, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) <5mg per day. More information here.
- Social media user claims marrying someone outside West Africa solves AS/SS genetic problem
A Facebook user claimed international marriages can solve the genetic issue of sickle cell disease in Nigeria. According to the user, the sickle cell gene is absent from most people outside Nigeria; thus, when a Nigerian gets married to such people, this would reduce the condition’s prevalence.
While sickle cell disease is more prominent in countries where malaria is present, like some African countries, including Nigeria, millions of people globally are affected by the condition. Medical science suggests adequate genetic screening between intending couples to reduce the risk of sickle cell disease, as the condition is not determined by race but by an individual’s genetic makeup. Read more here.
- Are bush meats safe as many believe?
For many years, Nigerians have held on to the belief that wild animals are less contaminated and thus safer for consumption. Seen as a symbol of honour, it is considered healthier and more natural. Social media users have also regurgitated these beliefs in recent posts.
However, DUBAWA found that bushmeat is not necessarily safe as a result of the heavy presence of metals in the offal of wild animals, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and zoonotic diseases.
Also, a renowned parasitologist decried the lack of regulation regarding how bushmeat is sourced, handled, and prepared, which raises concerns about hygiene standards. More details can be found here.
- Old video of Liberia’s former vice president used in misleading context
Acarous Moses Gray, a representative under the immediate past leadership in Liberia, recently shared a video criticising President Joseph Boakai on Facebook. In the post, Gray claimed Boakai participated in a ‘Weah step down’ protest in 2020. George Weah was the country’s president at the time.
DUBAWA’s digital investigation shows that the video was from a live video posted by Hott FM on August 27, 2020. Joseph Boakai had attended an anti-rape protest at the Springs field in Monrovia. It had nothing to do with a call for the resignation of former president Weah. Read more here.
